At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying process for luxury ready-to-wear fashion, collaborating with design and merchandising teams.
- Company: LK Bennett is a British heritage brand known for its luxurious, stylish collections since the 90s.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, birthday off, discounts, pension, life assurance, and employee rewards.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping luxury fashion while making a real impact on product development.
- Qualifications: Experience in clothing buying, strong negotiation skills, and a flair for trends required.
- Other info: This role offers a blend of office and remote work, perfect for a modern lifestyle.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ per year.
Department: Buying
Reports into: Global Design & Product Director
Location: Head Office, New Bond Street, London combined with remote working
Contract: Permanent, 4 days per week
WHO WE ARE
LK Bennett is a brand with a British heritage feel, born in the 90s, with our first boutique in Wimbledon. Our pieces are designed in our London HQ to be full of vibrant prints, iconic silhouettes and beautiful fabrics. Since our beginnings, weβve become well-loved thanks to our effortless, luxurious collections featuring ready-to-wear, shoes, bags and accessories. Known for our distinctly wearable style and luxury craftsmanship with high-quality production across Europe. Sourcing only the finest fabrics, including our signature silks from the Far East. We create investment pieces to love forever β only now, we inspire women to bring the extraordinary to the ordinary, everyday.
JOB ROLE
Working at LK Bennett is more than just a job; itβs a way of life and by becoming our Senior Buyer means you will be at the forefront of our luxury business. As a Senior Buyer you will bring to life our brand proposition and continue to nurture and ignite the love for our beautiful products, whilst being in one of the driving seats of a commercially successful business.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Working in collaboration with the Design, Merchandising and Technical departments, influence the development of an exciting and commercially viable range in accordance with the Buying strategy, seasonal fashion trends and the LK Bennett product philosophy.
- Continually challenge the range viability whilst ensuring it remains cohesive with the brand vision.
- Negotiate preferential contract terms ensuring budgeted sales, gross margin and profit targets are achieved, whilst managing supplier reliability and relationships.
- Resolve any development/supplier issues experienced within the product cycle, achieving the best result for the Company in any given risk scenario.
- Manage and review the OTB to maximise the sales and profitability of the product ranges. Plan product category splits and Lessons learnt/ Seasonal Strategy.
- Progress, monitor and manage the range from concept to delivery into the Warehouse, keeping to the stringent critical path requirements.
- Provide detailed range and product information to all internal parties including Marketing, Retail, Press and Digital; participate in the development of product knowledge communications with these relevant business partners.
- Compile competitor data and activity and stay one step ahead using all available market analysis to identify trends, constantly assessing competitors to deliver an optimum product offer which exceeds customer expectations; Identify growth opportunities through assimilating fashion forecasting and market trends both UK and Internationally.
- Analyse product sell through, performance data and weekly line sales and spend OTB to maximise trading and limit risk accordingly.
- Manage, develop and motivate the buying team creating a collaborative and rewarding working experience.
WHO YOU ARE
- Outstanding planning and organisational skills
- Multi product and category experience on Clothing required.
- Resilient and flexible with a natural flair for trends and fabrics; product development experience and a deep understanding of fit and premium brand product development.
- Commercially driven, with negotiating and influencing skills.
- Well-travelled, with a solid understanding of supplier capabilities and Country specific fabric/product development specialities.
- Ability to quickly interpret results and work within a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent time management and able to prioritise workload.
WHAT WE OFFER
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Day off on your birthday, to celebrate in style
- Ambassador & brand discounts as well as regular colleague sales
- Company pension
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance & Rewards Programme
Senior Buyer - Ready to Wear employer: LK Bennett
Contact Detail:
LK Bennett Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Ready to Wear
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with LK Bennett's brand identity and product range. Understanding their heritage and design philosophy will help you align your insights and ideas with their vision during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network within the fashion industry, especially with professionals who have experience in buying or luxury brands. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals.
β¨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current fashion trends and market analysis. Being able to discuss recent developments and how they could impact LK Bennett's offerings will demonstrate your proactive approach and industry knowledge.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your negotiation skills through examples from your past experiences. Highlight specific instances where you successfully managed supplier relationships or achieved favourable contract terms, as this is crucial for the Senior Buyer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Ready to Wear
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Brand: Familiarise yourself with LK Bennett's heritage, product offerings, and brand philosophy. This will help you tailor your application to reflect your understanding of their luxury market and how you can contribute.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in multi-product and category buying, particularly in clothing. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed product ranges and supplier relationships in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your planning, organisational, and negotiation skills in your CV and cover letter. Use quantifiable achievements to illustrate your commercial acumen and ability to drive profitability.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Buyer position by aligning your skills and experiences with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Make sure to address how you can influence product development and meet the brand's vision.
How to prepare for a job interview at LK Bennett
β¨Showcase Your Knowledge of the Brand
Before the interview, make sure to research LK Bennett thoroughly. Understand their heritage, product lines, and current market position. Being able to discuss their collections and how they align with your vision as a Senior Buyer will impress the interviewers.
β¨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully conducted. Highlight how you achieved favourable terms while maintaining strong supplier relationships. This is crucial for the role, so be ready to discuss your strategies and outcomes.
β¨Discuss Trend Analysis
Be prepared to talk about how you analyse fashion trends and competitor activity. Share specific examples of how you've used market analysis to inform product development and range planning in previous roles.
β¨Emphasise Team Leadership Experience
As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to manage and motivate a team. Share your experiences in leading teams, fostering collaboration, and creating a positive work environment. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership skills.